Greene Is the New Grey

Sins of the Flesh #1

by Parker J. Cole

Solomon Greene made a deal with God.

If He'd send him an unattractive woman, he'd marry her on sight and do what was spiritually right. After all, he needed that kind of wife to help him escape from his sordid past.

Celeste Martin made a deal with Solomon. She'd be his ugly wife. All she wanted in return was his name. She was in love with her sister's fiance and he would be the only man she'd ever love.

Solomon had no idea that he'd find his wife fascinating. Celeste didn't know that one taste from her husband's lips would have her wanting more. Yet many strange women were between them.

Could Solomon ever escape from his past?

Could Celeste ever love her husband?

Greene Is the New Grey also contains a deleted novella, The Arrangement, a prelude to Many Strange Women.

Genres: Interracial Romance, Contemporary Romance

373 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2014

About the author

I am an author, speaker, and radio show host with a fanatical obsession with the Lord, Star Trek, K-dramas, anime, romance books, old movies, speculative fiction, and knitting. I’ve finally kicked the off and on addiction to Mountain Dew and marshmallows.

Find out any and everything about me at my website, ParkerJCole.com

Reviews

[Elle1986 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Now before I provide this review, I am sure that it is pretty freaking hard to write a book, no I am positive it is hard to write a book. I give props to the authors who take time to write so that we can have something to read. (This is the reason for the 1 star).

Now let's get real.. This book was insane and honestly left me quite annoyed and pissed off. Since I did purchase this book for 5 freaking dollars... let me provide MY review.

1. I give the blurb... 5 stars. That caught my attention.. it was different I was ready to read. Christian based books don't bother me at all, actually I was excited to read something different than my normal reading selection... and then it all goes downhill from here.

2. I was so annoyed by the way this chick dressed and spoke as if she was in the 1800's. This is a grown freaking woman.. not her being over the top proper didn't bother me but I promise when she started speaking to these men and calling them "my lord" or "sir" it drove me up a freaking wall "Lord westwood" seriously? At first I thought she was trying to be funny.. ha ha cute. NOPE it just kept going on and on and on. Again she is grown yet she was more like a teen.

3. Sol.. totally thought this guy was no older the 20.. which he was much older yet he was out at the skate park like he had no care in the world... I mean seriously.. I don't have to read about billionaires all the time but geez was this guy boring.

4. ZERO chemistry between the two main characters.. I mean none I felt absolutely nothing at all.

5. All the other drama... I didn't find it added anything actually. The only shocking moment was why sol was having the dreams...it made perfect sense when the cat jump out of the bag.


So you see folks... this book was simply just not my cup a tea. I think I am officially going hiatus from reading for at least a week because I have not touched one book that was in fact my cup of tea.

Signing off.. a reader that is looking for more.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are thinking this is your typical marriage-of-convenience story, disabuse yourself of that notion right now. What you will find are eccentric but multi-layered characters and a unique and offbeat storyline. Woven between the unusual plot and unconventional characters you will find pure literary genius. Cole’s Many Strange Women takes you on a strange but fulfilling ride, which will leave you pondering long after you turn the last page.

Cole’s writing style is lyrical and clever – poetic prose that jumps off the page in scripted summersaults that leave you smiling, while taking you deeper into the meaning of the story. She grabbed me from the first page and she didn’t let go. And just when I thought I had the story all figured out – that I thought I knew exactly where she was taking me - she surprised me with another twist and turn in the story, or she peeled back another layer of the characters.

And then there is the message! Cole does an excellent job of presenting a powerful message, one that is rarely discussed in Christian novels. If you are looking for a thought provoking read, this story will leave you turning page after page until you reach the end and cry, “I can’t wait for the next one!”

[Cheryl Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! Parker J. Cole has such a gift for writing.
Solomon has these weird dreams that have different ladies and involve candy. His parents are part of a cult, so you think this has something to do with them. Not so!
Celeste is a designer of different clothes from different time periods.
They meet at a museum and on a promise, decide to get married.
This marriage has a lot of baggage. Both come into the marriage with agenda's.
Forgiveness is the key to this marriage and they find is the only way to truly love someone else.

This story has a few twists and turns that you don't see coming! Great book! I can't wait for the next part of the story!

[Taiye · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

This was not what I expected. It was funny, intimate, had lessons from the bible and I could get enough. It was nice to read a romance book that didn't have one sex scene in it. I think that's why I it surprised me. The bible reference,the comedy, everything. Absolutely loved every page.

[Tonii Tonii · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really unique story

This book was really good. I finished it and one day. It was so good I couldn't put it down. It was a unique and different love story. I like how the author write and will definitely be reading more book from her.

[Brenda Larnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

MANY STRANGE WOMEN
BY Parker J Cole
Reviewer: Brenda Larnell

Many Strange Women is a novel with many layers. I must admit that at times, I had no idea where the author, Parker J Cole was taking me. The heroine, Celeste Greene and the hero, Solomon Greene are two of the most damaged, complex characters that I have read about in a long time. When we first meet them, they are getting married. The first line of the story is, “The thought of kissing her husband was repugnant.” What a sad state of affairs! But that’s just the beginning.

The more I read, the more questions I had; not only about the two protagonists, but also about the side characters that were introduced. First, let me begin with the heroine, the “plain Jane” Celeste, who dressed in period costumes. One day she would be dressed as a pioneer woman and the next day she would be attired in an ornate gown that covered her from her neck to the top of her shoes along with glove covered hands. Who does this and why? What is behind this bizarre way of life that Celeste has forged for herself? Her nickname is Icy and, indeed, she appears to some as an ice princess. She marries Solomon after meeting him for just one week, and she is in love with her sister’s fiancé. I could go on and on concerning the idiosyncrasies of Milady Celeste, but it became apparent as I read that she is definitely covering up something that she has lived with for a very long time. Now, the hero Solomon, while not as eccentric as Celeste, is carrying a truck load of past experiences that he is trying to erase by marrying Celeste. He states that his belief in God had been restored because he prayed for an unattractive wife. Who does that and why? Solomon is a wealthy man and he and Celeste reside in a mansion in separate rooms. They take a platonic relationship to a whole new level. In addition to this, Solomon has terrifying nightmares about being shackled by candy vines and tortured by “strange women”.

The side characters are just as intriguing and dynamic as the main characters. For example, Solomon’s parents who are the founders of a religious cult, where his mother’s title is the “Reverend Daughter of the Virgin”. Yeah. There is Leah, Celeste’s sister, whose nickname is Blaze. Leah is beautiful, the opposite of Celeste, and has no filter. Plus she is notorious for having a fiery temper which she displays often and anywhere. Gonzo, aka Goijaart, is a mutual friend of Celeste and Solomon. There is Daffodil, Celeste’s nemesis who only communicates with her via Skype. We find out later that she is more than Celeste’s enemy. Last but not least is Morayo Hernandez, the Yoruba manager of the Greene’s Arcadia, Florida residence where Solomon and Celeste ‘honeymoon’. Morayo is a former Santeria Priestess turned Christian, and she is the character who literally has a ‘come to Jesus’ moment with Celeste.

About 60% into this story, the author begins to unfold the characters’ pasts that have negatively affected their present lives. That Solomon! No spoilers! Just be ready to be astonished! I recommend Many Strange Women. It’s a winner.

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets cause love to suffer in Many Strange Women by Parker J. Cole. Solomon Greene has given up his career and has chosen to take a wife, but not just any wife, she has to have a certain qualification and that is to be ugly. Solomon makes a strange request to God and soon meets his ugly wife. Solomon was not expecting his wife to be so different to the point of being intriguing but she is and Solomon cannot help but fall for her unique charm. Solomon is convinced that his wife will help him forget his past transgressions as long as they both keep their part of the arrangement.

Celeste Martin knows she is an ugly woman. Celeste has given up on God especially when she learns of her sister’s engagement to the man of her dreams. Celeste does not know that her visit to the museum will change her life until she meets Solomon. She agrees to marry him along with his arrangement and Celeste is a woman of her word. As time goes on Celeste realizes that she is actually falling in love with her husband. On the other hand, unbeknownst to Celeste her best friend is fighting for her heart and to keep her for himself, Solomon must come clean about his past. Will Celeste give in to her best friend’s affection? Or will she stand by her husband?

What I Did Not Like: Solomon’s mother’s religion turned me off. It was a little creepy to me. The way religion was presented could easily confuse a person. To my understanding God does not make deals but the Devil does.

What I Did Like: Celeste was a unique character that held my interest. The back and forth between her and Solomon kept me turning the pages. The author does a wonderful job including conflict into the story with Gonzo’s character. The book started off slow but as I continued to read the characters started coming to life as well as the message of the story. I do recommend Many Strange Women to others.

This book was provided by the author for review purposes.

Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
3 Stars=Okay Page Turner

[Teresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should have known not to read this but I did and I am incredibly sorry. I hated everything about this book. It was boring. I didn't feel any chemistry between Celeste and Solomon nor could I buy them suddenly wanting each other. She spent her time in her room sewing and he was always at the skate park or gym.

Gonzo was a little pathetic.

Leah and her temper... what is she five? She's too old to be acting like she can't control herself.

Celeste and her God hates me and I'm ugly. Instead of feeling bad I wanted to tell her to stop her whining and to consider the possibility that no one wanted her because she's weird. Gonzo wanted her but she was too busy whining to notice. What she needed was therapy.

And Sol's big reveal he was a porn star And the blueberry lady blaming him... I'm not even going to touch that. I'd be here all night if I did.

Celeste walking away after his big reveal was cold. It was funny too.

The fact that Daffodil was her sister was came out of left field. It wasn't needed.

Seriously, did every one miraculously find God by the end? I should have stopped reading this but it was like a train wreck. I couldn't help but to look.

[Mary Findley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole has given this story so many splendid layers, like the costumes her main character wears. Celeste is a seamstress and designer and I found myself wanting to look up the period paintings that inspired her, but I couldn't stop reading to do that. Just how the characters deal with emotions is a whole story by itself. But there's so much more. Layers of spirituality. Layers of self-protection. Layers of anger for so many different reasons. Family love, friendship, and that most mysterious kind of love -- the one that Solomon thinks doesn't exist and that Celeste believes God has denied her.

When Solomon reveals the secret of the Blueberry Woman, a whole new set of layers opens up. Cole has crafted a complex story that takes time to understand. Don't expect a fluffy romance. Don't expect preachy Christianity. Expect that you will be taken by surprise over and over again, and that if you stop, like Celeste tried to do, before you unwrap all the layers, you will lose out on truths hard and sweet for body and spirit.

This book is a gift. Like many gifts, it's not perfect in shape, presentation, or message, but it is given, as all gifts should be, as an example of what love should be.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Celeste Martin thought very little of herself. She had given up on ever being happy. Especially after her sister Leah got engaged to the one man Celeste felt she would ever love. She proceeds to make arrangements with Solomon Greene for a marriage of convenience. He wanted an unattractive wife and she wanted to forget all about falling in love with her sister’s boyfriend. Little did they know that God had a plan for all of them.

This was a beautiful story of faith and hope. I was in shock when Celeste told Solomon her little secret, but nothing prepared me for his, I was completely blown away. The only issue I had was Celeste’s cold demeanor toward her husband. All in all, this was a great Christian romance novel, one that truly inspires and teaches us that God really does answer our prayers.

[Mspraise50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay ladies I finished it. The author obviously did a good job because even though frustrated with one of the lead character Celeste I finished the book. I loved Solomon he made some mistakes in his life for which he was not proud. He tried to love his wife even though their marriage was a pretense at first. He was loving, patient and kind and all she did was continually throw it back in his face. HEA in the end but I still did not warm to Celeste I thought she was unnecessarily cruel to Solomon in the her continually hot and cold attitude with him. Happy for Solomon. Celeste in my opinion could do with a good beat down! Remember this is only my view of the story. I am sure there others who loved every single minute of it!

[Debbie Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting!

I found myself reading this book at night until I couldn't hold my eyes open any longer, and even woke up at 3:00 a.m. one morning and picked it up again.

Parker J Cole’s characters are so believable that I wanted to slap Leah for her rudeness, and shake Celeste a few times as I was afraid she did not see what was right in front of her. The author’s descriptions are so vivid that I could picture every room in the mansion, which became Celeste’s new home.

There are many twists and turns in this book which will keep you turning the pages. For many of us who have had skeletons in our closets, we can also know God’s forgiveness and life changing mercy…just as the characters in Many Strange Women.

[Lori Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very unique story all its own. From the characters who are so very different, to their story. I went into tis book unknowing as to what to expect. It was surely a surprise and a gem. I loved Celeste's character the most. Her style appeals to me and just her way of speaking and presenting herself. I'm not sure I can do this story justice in a short review. I just want to say, there is empowerment in Parker J. Cole's words and story line. There are many books written in a Christian romantic way. This was different yet had the hidden context of a great Christian read. Please don't take my word on it. Pick up a copy for yourself. You will be pleasantly surprised!

[Erica Mbasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this novel, I thought it was a little choppy and confusing. As I dug deeper, though, I found a beautiful engaging story with a great message. The author does a great job developing the characters. At first none are very likable, but then you start to understand why they are the way they are, and you begin to love them. Cole weaves redemption and salvation throughout the pages. She shows how God can take a life that is so far gone and change and restore any person who is wiling to allow Him to do that work.

While the analogies of what sin does to us are simple, they are also clear and right on. This is a great book, and I enjoyed it!

[J. Thomas-Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

New and VERY interesting spin on a story that's been around since the beginning of time (self-worth, self-confidence, self-image).

The author has wonderful powers of descriptions, covering every sense (sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste).

Christian fiction without beating you over the head with it. All references were appropriate and made for the story, so it didn't really FEEL like a "Christian" book.

Liked it a lot and can't wait for the next one!

[Celesta Thiessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read this book before because the cover and title didn't appeal to me. But I happened to read the description today. I was hooked and had to read the whole book! It was much better than I expected. I just had to keep reading to see how it would work out. It's not my usual genre, as this was a Christian romance and I usually read Sci Fi/Fantasy, so I skimmed the parts that dragged for me (description & Bible verses). I was happy with the way things ended :D

[LaTania Kendrick-Singleton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Green is not the new Grey


I am so glad that I got loaned this book because if I purchased it I would have been livid! I hated everything about this book. The main character made me want to throat punch her every time she opened her mouth. Solomon was a grown man who spent his days at a skate park and dreamed of strange women and candy. When reading this I think I rolled my eyes so much I now have a headache.

[Raelee Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This incredibly descriptive story pulled me in immediately. It's weird in the best kind of way with some great laugh out loud moments and colorful characters. Celeste is a trip with defensive formality and snarky wit, and it's fun to watch the personalities evolve and warm as the story progresses.

[Say What Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Strange Women by Parker J. Cole

God was the absolute last subject Celeste wanted to hear about. Too many disappointments, too much rejection, and too much pain has jaded her heart towards her Maker and all things concerning him. But every dark cloud has a silver lining and in Celeste’s case, it was a gifted pair of hands and a brilliant imagination that was her saving grace. This quiet, quirky woman used her skills to make quite a name for herself as she spun the old with the new. Each new creation served as her assurance of answered prayer…even as God continued to ignore the deepest desires of her heart.

Life was great for Solomon, heir to the throne of his parent’s self-made kingdom. Money, women, and freedom were all in ample supply, while no demands for change were forthcoming. Things couldn’t be better. But too much of a good thing can cause problems, such was the case for Solomon. Before too long he was caught up in a web of destruction with no way out.

A chance encounter with Celeste would alter both of their lives in ways completely unexpected. Two strangers make a pact, going forth for their own reasons. But life has a way of changing everything in a moment. Would they be the answer to prayer for each other or turn out to be yet one more albatross from which to break free?

This story grabbed my attention right from the first line. The uniqueness of the characters and the storyline kept my interest heightened until the end. Many Strange Woman is not a typical story of boy meets girl, nor a common romance. Interwoven between the pages is a story rich in intensity, transparent in its evoking of emotions, and challenging in its ideals. It is extremely well-developed. Parker J. Cole has a beautiful way of expressing herself. This is my first read by this author, but certainly will not be my last.

____
Reviewed by Tumika Patrice Cain

[Tumika Patrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

God was the absolute last subject Celeste wanted to hear about. Too many disappointments, too much rejection, and too much pain has jaded her heart towards her Maker and all things concerning him. But every dark cloud has a silver lining and in Celeste’s case, it was a gifted pair of hands and a brilliant imagination that was her saving grace. This quiet, quirky woman used her skills to make quite a name for herself as she spun the old with the new. Each new creation served as her assurance of answered prayer…even as God continued to ignore the deepest desires of her heart.

Life was great for Solomon, heir to the throne of his parent’s self-made kingdom. Money, women, and freedom were all in ample supply, while no demands for change were forthcoming. Things couldn’t be better. But too much of a good thing can cause problems, such was the case for Solomon. Before too long he was caught up in a web of destruction with no way out.

A chance encounter with Celeste would alter both of their lives in ways completely unexpected. Two strangers make a pact, going forth for their own reasons. But life has a way of changing everything in a moment. Would they be the answer to prayer for each other or turn out to be yet one more albatross from which to break free?

This story grabbed my attention right from the first line. The uniqueness of the characters and the storyline kept my interest heightened until the end. Many Strange Woman is not a typical story of boy meets girl, nor a common romance. Interwoven between the pages is a story rich in intensity, transparent in its evoking of emotions, and challenging in its ideals. It is extremely well-developed. Parker J. Cole has a beautiful way of expressing herself. This is my first read by this author, but certainly will not be my last.

[Lorel Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness and healing

This story shows as with Solomon in the Bible, Solomon in the book found that having many women can take its toll on your life and steal your soul. Beauty is only skin deep and can be shallow, unfullfilling, and leave you empty if that is all you look for in who you are with. A Godly women or men have a beauty that comes forth from inside and shines forth and does not fade with time. This story deals with a subject that affects so many people. It can ruin lives, marriages and leave you empty inside but craving something that should be beautiful in marriage but is made ugly and dirty outside of it. With the the healing hand of God there is forgiveness and what is in the past can be left there and a new life forward can begin.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read and kept me intrigued. I did skim some parts though. I do agree with other reviewers who didn't like the way the heroine talked, but I do think it was essential to the story. I took it as the author trying to present Celeste living in her own world, her own fantasy, so Celeste's manner speech was necessary in my opinion. I do agree about the names though, Solomon is not really a common name or would be used in this time period. And I really didn't like Celeste's sister, she was extremely disrespectful. Other than that it was a good read and I definitely recommend it.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read makes think

This is my second read before writing this review, and it does makes you think. Entertaining read that makes you think about past relationships and your faith in God.

[Rob Pfeiffer · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this type of book (Christian Romance) is not what I would typically read, within just a few pages, I quickly became intent on discovering exactly how this extreme marriage arrangement would work out in the end. At the beginning, I thought and hoped I knew where the story would ultimately end, but I encountered many twists, complications, and mega surprises along the way, keeping me in suspense throughout the book. The author did well at providing basic details at first and slowly unveiling more and more about each of the main characters as the story unfolded.
Perhaps the best part of the whole book from a Christian worldview perspective is that the author clearly demonstrates a high view of God’s grace and power in overcoming sin. She uses two polar opposite people who are sinfully corrupt in their own unique ways to demonstrate how the grace of God can change their hearts into something beautiful. In so doing, she also exalts the God-created institution of marriage as extremely important and sacred, thereby also pronouncing judgment upon all perversions of and temptations to abandon it. (As one example of pronouncing judgment on perversion, I especially enjoyed the scene where a surprise character enters the story and strongly rebukes the evils of pornography.) The author also correctly illustrates that ultimately no marriage can work correctly apart from a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.
While this story strives to communicate an accurate view of God and His work in human hearts, I was greatly disturbed by how much ink was dedicated to the depth of each character’s sin. Undoubtedly the author did this to emphasize the extreme evils in order to shine a greater light upon the glory of God’s loving grace; however, it seemed that the description went way too far to do so. While there is no foul language or explicit description of anatomy, enough detail is provided to have an extremely clear picture of the naughty things transpiring. The reader’s mind is filled with imagery leaving no secrets about the inappropriate acts on multiple occasions. One of the really sad parts about this is that it was unnecessary to focus so much upon the wickedness and comparatively so little upon the gospel and growth in grace. Conversion experiences are described but only briefly with little or no mention of spiritual growth and the quantity of this material is spartan compared to the plethora of wicked acts that are expounded upon.
I had a really hard time rating this book as there are some really good points and yet some negative issues that take away from its value. As a Christian I hoped for a strong message about God’s grace and the sacredness of marriage (even if entered into for the wrong reasons). While I did find that message in this book, I fear it is hard to hear it clearly given the much greater bulk of writing that enumerates the sinful behaviors of the main characters. Because of the abundance of corruption set forth, I find myself unable to recommend this book to other Christians. For full disclosure, I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Had I not been committed to providing a review, I would have stopped reading the book at two or three different places where I was appalled at the shockingly sinful behavior of some of the characters. In the end, I fear that the negatives outweigh the positives and thereby overshadow the attempted positive message.

[Annabelle Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow

I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I started reading this book. At the beginning I struggled with reading it, you might as well, but once i got past that point i was hooked. i couldn't put it down. Grab the tissues ladies and get ready to shed some ugly tears.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time deciding what rating to give this book in that I liked it but there were parts I had a hard time with. I was also confused a little with what time period the book was taking place in. The book is also I believe to be a Christian book and therefore there are many references to God through the book.

Celeste Martin has just gotten married to Solomon Greene after meeting him a week ago and being the answer to his prayers. He had asked God for an ugly woman and then he met Celeste, who is in love with another man.

Both Celeste and Solomon have secrets in their pasts that they are wanting to keep from the other but the two find themselves wanting to spend time with the other. Yet many factors keep pushing Celeste away, most notably her self-esteem issues.

Will Celeste and Solomon give their "marriage" of convenience a real chance or will they break it off as soon as the first opportunity arises?

So I did enjoy the book but initially I honestly thought that the book took place in the past with the language that Celeste uses, like "Lord". Celeste has terrible self esteem and it seems to influence everything she does and why she hides behind her costumes, yet I would think that would bring more attention to her.

I honestly liked Solomon best in the story and he was by far my favorite character in the book. I hated Celeste's sister Lori and couldn't believe the stuff her family put up with in regards to her attitude. The families all had so much in fighting I wasn't too sure what was happening.

I was definitely surprised with the whole Daffodil part! I really never saw that coming.

I do look forward to reading another book by this author.

[Chelle Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Strange Women had me a bit confused in the beginning. It was different than anything that I had ever read; however, the writer had me intrigued. As the story of Celeste and Solomon unfolds you cannot help but root for their love. The poor decisions of Solomon's past compiled with the harsh, judgmental, and reserved nature of Celeste makes you believe their love does not stand a chance. Yet, it is the infallible love of God that breaks the icy wall built between them, which changes their hearts forever.

I loved this book and how she intertwines Scripture throughout to share stories from the past with real life issues of today. It shares a message and ministers to readers without being preachy. She shows how forgiving and compassionate God's love really is.

I actually fell in love with the characters. My heart broke at different times for not only the main characters, but even the supporting characters. This book shows how twisted life can sometimes become regardless of our choices. She paints the perfect portrait of the Lord's love and how people cannot help whom they love, as well as the desperate measures people will take to protect their hearts from unrequited love. I look forward to reading book 2 in this series, and hope to have more questions answered about the other characters.

Excellent story!

[Bhriv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many Strange Women, written by Parker J. Cole, is book one of Sins of the Flesh Series.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I actually give it a 3.5 star, but rating it as a 4 because I don’t the 3.5 option available.
This was a very different read for me. I was somewhat confused with the main characters, Celeste and Solomon. Celeste was an eccentric woman. I couldn’t really grasp the reasoning behind why she was different. Grant it, near the end we find out more about her, but that still didn’t clearly make me feel her need to be so different. Solomon was Solomon. What an original kind of character he was too. I never connected with these characters nor did I see them connect that much throughout the storyline.
Although I wasn’t totally connecting with this story, it truly was an original kind of read that I could tell the author put much time into creating. I don’t feel that she was lacking in her creativity. I will definitely read another one of her books to see if there is a way I can connect with the next book.
I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Tracy Popolizio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many Strange Women is a great book that explores the inner conflict many men and women feel. I loved the way the author added extra unexpected twists, such as the best friend and her father's secret. The book flowed nicely and didn't seem to stall. A few spelling or grammatical errors were noticed but nothing that distracted my focus from the book. I did have a bit of a difficult time getting through some of the dreams and steamy scenes. I appreciate the author's attempt to keep it to a minimum, but for me it was still a little too descriptive. Overall a very enjoyable, well written book ending with redemption.

[Nancy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greene is the New Grey was a surprising and original read for me. It tells the story of a woman and man who marry after meeting once, each for his/her own misguided reasons. The characters, Solomon Greene and Celeste Greene (nee Martin) are distinct and very intriguing. Their stories unfold bit by bit, carrying you along into their distorted relationship.

The twists of this story continue throughout, as I reacted with surprise, laughter, hope and joy. The connection between the reader and the characters are a delight, even as their stories may be deeply foreign. God's message in their lives is unmistakable, as you witness the transformations that go on. I'm glad to have read this book.